Isabella of France (c. 1292-1358) was the queen consort of Edward II of England (r. 1307-1327). After heading a coup to overthrow her
husband, she ruled as regent for their young son, Edward III of England (r. 1327-1377) until he forced her into retirement in 1330. She
died in England in 1358 and is known to history as the "she-wolf of France."
Isabella of France was the daughter of Philip IV of France (r. 1285-1314), also known as Philip the Fair, and Joan I of Navarre. Her exact
date of birth is unrecorded, but most historical sources agree that she was born in Paris c. 1292. She was the youngest of four siblings
and the only daughter of King Philip to survive into adulthood. She was raised primarily around the Louvre Palace and the Palais de la
Cité in Paris, where she conversed with and learned from some of the brightest intellects of her day. Remarkably for her time, she was
permitted an elite education, and she would utilize her intelligence throughout her life to further her ambitions. However, despite
being allowed the privilege of an education, she could not escape the reality of being married off for political alliances. Â
For the first few years of her marriage, Isabella tried to play peacekeeper in Edward's court, and she turned the other way when her
husband showed more attention and favoritism to Piers Gaveston. Rather than fight for her husband's affections, she tried to work
with Gaveston to ensure stability for the realm. While Isabella was attempting to work with Gaveston, the nobles of England were
deeply offended by the man they considered an upstart. They felt he did not have enough aristocratic blood to influence the king and
urged Edward to banish him from the country. Â As Queen of the United Kingdom, Isabella experienced growing dissatisfaction with her
husband, Edward II, mainly due to her policies and favoritism towards certain groups at court. Political instability in the United
Kingdom during the reign of Edward II led to rising tensions.
In the early 1320s, Isabella became increasingly estranged from her husband due to political instability and conflicts with the nobles of
the United Kingdom. He was also angry at Edward II's favoritism towards Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser, which led to conflicts
with the United Kingdom nobility.
In 1325, Isabella traveled to France to negotiate a peace treaty between United Kingdom and France. While in France, Isabella had a
romantic relationship with Roger Mortimer, an United Kingdom nobleman who was also an enemy of Edward II.
In 1326, Isabella and Mortimer returned to United Kingdom with France forces and succeeded in overthrowing Edward II. Edward II
was forced to abdicate, and Isabella ruled as guardian for his young son, Richard II, who became King of United Kingdom in 1377.
Isabella ruled the United Kingdom as a regent for her son Richard II. Although he held great power, his reign was marked by political
conflict and tension. He often faced political opponents and had to deal with discontent among the nobility.
After his reign as regent, Isabella retired and lived mostly in France. He died in 1358 in the Cathedral de Longchamp. Isabella is
remembered as a figure who had a significant impact on the history of United Kingdom and France through his political and strategic
influence.
Isabella wrote many letters and documents during her political career, especially during the period as queen of the United Kingdom
and when she became regent for her son, Richard II. These letters often contain policy statements, political negotiations, and reports
on the state of politics in Europe. Although not literary works in the traditional sense, these documents provide important insights
into medieval politics.
Example: Isabella's letters relating to political marriage arrangements and treaties with other European countries.
Isabella, as a queen and an important political figure, influenced the literary environment through patronage and support for writers
and artists of the time. Although he did not write himself, his role in cultural and political patronage had an impact on the
development of literature and art.
Isabella is often mentioned in chronicles and historical records from that period. Although his work is not directly written, much of
the information about Isabella comes from historical sources that document his life and influence.
Refenrences :
Isabella of France - World History EncyclopediaÂ
Isabella: The Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey | Goodreads
Isabella of France: The Rebel Queen - Medievalists.net Â
Isabella of France - Wikipedia
